Pineapple Paradise Cake

Name: Pineapple Paradise Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese (for frosting); 1/2 cup butter (for frosting); 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)

Sara

Writer & Blogger

Desserts
April 13, 2025

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Pineapple Paradise Cake: A Tropical Dream Come True 🍍🎂✨

1. Introduction

Transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this irresistible Pineapple Paradise Cake recipe! This moist, flavorful cake combines the natural sweetness of fresh pineapple with rich cream cheese frosting for a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion – from summer barbecues to holiday gatherings. The pineapple paradise cake recipe we’re sharing today has been perfected over years of baking experiments, resulting in a foolproof method that delivers consistent, delicious results every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe surprisingly simple to follow. For more amazing baking ideas, check out our complete baking recipes collection that includes everything from classic cookies to showstopping cakes.

Finished Pineapple Paradise Cake with cream cheese frosting and pineapple garnish on a tropical-themed cake stand. — The finished Pineapple Paradise Cake makes a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table

2. Ingredients

For this pineapple paradise cake recipe, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together to create magic:

2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cake, providing structure
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – Balances the tartness of the pineapple
1 teaspoon baking soda – Our leavening agent for the perfect rise
1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors
2 large eggs – At room temperature for best incorporation
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained – The star ingredient that adds moisture and tropical flavor
1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake incredibly moist
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor profile
For the frosting: 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup butter (softened), 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted), 1 teaspoon vanilla

Pro Tip: For an extra tropical twist, you can substitute 1/4 cup of the vegetable oil with coconut oil. This adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the pineapple. If you love tropical flavors, you’ll adore our collection of tropical-inspired desserts featuring mango, coconut, and more!

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Begin your pineapple paradise cake by sifting together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This crucial step serves multiple purposes – it removes any lumps, aerates the flour for a lighter texture, and ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Use a whisk to combine them thoroughly after sifting. Proper measurement is key here – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid packing in too much flour.

Dry ingredients being sifted through a fine mesh strainer into a large mixing bowl for Pineapple Paradise Cake preparation. — Sifting dry ingredients ensures a light, fluffy cake texture

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs before adding them to the dry ingredients along with the crushed pineapple (including all the juice – this liquid is gold for moisture!), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. The beauty of this pineapple paradise cake recipe is that it uses the pineapple juice as part of the liquid component, eliminating the need for additional milk or water. Mix just until the ingredients are combined – you should still see some small lumps in the batter. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour which can make your cake tough rather than tender. The batter will be quite thick but don’t worry – the pineapple will release more moisture during baking.

Wet ingredients being gently folded into dry ingredients with a rubber spatula for Pineapple Paradise Cake batter. — Gentle mixing preserves the cake’s tender texture

Step 3: Prepare Baking Pan

Proper pan preparation is essential for easy cake removal. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This creates “handles” that make it simple to lift the cooled cake out of the pan for frosting. The parchment also prevents any sticking to the bottom. While this pineapple paradise cake recipe traditionally uses a rectangular pan, you can certainly adapt it to two 9-inch round pans for a layer cake – just reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes. For more baking tips and tricks, visit our About page where we share our baking philosophy and favorite techniques.

Hands smoothing parchment paper into a greased baking pan for Pineapple Paradise Cake preparation. — Parchment paper guarantees easy cake removal

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the pineapple paradise cake batter into the prepared pan and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. Oven temperatures vary, so start checking at 30 minutes. If you notice the top browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely – this prevents sinking and makes for easier handling. For more baking inspiration, check out our Facebook page where we share weekly baking tips and recipe variations.

Pineapple Paradise Cake batter being poured into prepared baking pan with wooden spoon. — Even distribution ensures uniform baking

4. Frosting Preparation

While the cake cools, prepare the luscious cream cheese frosting that makes this pineapple paradise cake truly special. Start with room temperature ingredients – this is crucial for smooth, lump-free frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and slightly fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract. The frosting should be thick but spreadable – if it’s too stiff, add a teaspoon of milk or pineapple juice; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. For best results, frost the cake only when it’s completely cool to prevent melting. If you’re looking for more frosting ideas, our recipe development section has creative variations to explore.

5. Serving Suggestions

Take your pineapple paradise cake presentation to the next level with these serving ideas:

Top with fresh pineapple slices arranged in a decorative pattern
Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor
Add a border of maraschino cherries or fresh berries
Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish
Serve with a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream
Garnish with edible flowers for special occasions

This cake pairs beautifully with tropical cocktails or a simple cup of coffee. For a complete meal that leads perfectly into this dessert, try our Tuscan Chicken Soup or Autumn Wild Rice Soup as savory starters.

6. Storage Tips

Due to the cream cheese frosting, your pineapple paradise cake should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Properly stored, it will keep for up to 5 days, and many find the flavors actually improve after a day as the pineapple flavor mellows and distributes more evenly throughout the cake. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months – thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. If you’re planning a baking day, consider making our Chicken Empanadas at the same time for savory balance.

7. Variations

This versatile pineapple paradise cake recipe lends itself to numerous delicious variations:

Tropical Twist: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut and 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts to the batter
Spiced Version: Mix in 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg for warm spice notes
Caramel Pineapple: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cake
Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions (reduce baking time to 18-22 minutes)
Pineapple Upside-Down Style: Arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries in the pan before adding batter
Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour blend (add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum if not included)

For more recipe variation ideas, browse our chicken recipes and beef recipes sections for main dish inspiration to pair with your dessert.

8. Nutrition Information

While this pineapple paradise cake is certainly a treat, it does offer some nutritional benefits from the pineapple. Each serving (1/12 of the cake) contains approximately:

380 calories
18g fat (7g saturated)
52g carbohydrates (38g sugars)
4g protein
1g fiber
15% DV Vitamin C
10% DV Manganese

The pineapple provides bromelain, an enzyme that may aid digestion, along with antioxidants. To balance your meal, consider serving with a fresh green salad for added nutrients.

9. Conclusion

This pineapple paradise cake recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with an incredibly moist texture that will have your guests begging for the recipe. What makes it truly special is how the pineapple keeps the cake moist for days while the cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious richness. It’s impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight desserts. The tropical flavors transport you to a beachside paradise with every bite. We’d love to hear how your pineapple paradise cake turns out – share your creations with us and don’t forget to explore our other recipes for more culinary inspiration. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!